mechanical tension

Definition

The force produced when muscles contract against resistance, considered a primary driver of muscle growth. The scientific explanation for why muscles get bigger when you make them work really, really hard.

Example Usage

To maximize mechanical tension, I focus on controlled reps with progressively heavier weights, not swinging dumbbells like I'm fighting invisible enemies.

Origin

Exercise physiology and hypertrophy research terminology from the 2000s-2010s

Fun Fact

Of the three mechanisms of muscle growth (mechanical tension, metabolic stress, and muscle damage), mechanical tension is considered the most important, making progressive overload king.

Source: Muscle physiology and resistance training research

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